Adrian Fernandez, Driver, Fernandez Racing - 2002

Birthdate: April 20, 1965
Birthplace: Mexico City, Mexico
Resides: Paradise Valley, Ariz.
Height/Weight: 5'9", 145 lbs
Personal: Single
Interests: Business, Fitness, Outdoor Activities

The first owner-driver in CART since three-time champion Bobby Rahal, Adrian Fernandez officially unveiled his new team in front of more than 100,000 of his countrymen last year at the season-opening Grand Prix of Monterrey, Mexico.

Fernandez began his racing career on two wheels, racing motocross in his native Mexico as a youth. Switching to cars at age 16, Fernandez was fourth overall and the top rookie in the Mexican Formula Vee Championship in 1982. He moved up rapidly through the ranks of Mexican open-wheel racing, and also spent three years racing Formula Fords in England.

After winning the Mexican International Formula 3 Championship in 1991, Fernandez joined the CART Indy Lights series the next season. He set rookie records for most victories (four), oval wins (three) and most laps led in a season, and was named Rookie of the Year.

He made his Champ Car debut the following year, driving a partial season with Galles Racing. A move to Honda power and Tasman Motorsports in 1996 saw his first race victory at Toronto. More victories and championship contention followed in 1998 and 1999. In 2000 Fernandez took his title hopes down to the final race of the season before ending the year second to Gil de Ferran.

CART Racing Record